Monday, September 10, 2012

Just a little respect

So, it's still happening - Bonnie and I continue to butt heads. (haha - butt heads, sorry) I know that it's partially her asserting her leadership role, and I'm fighting back because I feel like she doesn't recognize my leadership role in the group (at least in my specialized areas) and doesn't respect my knowledge and experience. I know a good bit of the problem is my attitude - I'm trying to get to the bottom of my reactions to try to control them better, but all bets are off when I am under the constant stress and hurry that I have been under since she started. That's not because of her, it's because of the process of incorporating a new member into the team and redistributing the work of a member of the team (Katie) who's gone for several months and the constant drama of illness, family emergencies, disasters, etc that daily change our workloads. I can't focus long enough to figure out what I'm doing, much less how to approach a more overarching influence. I also know, though, that it's not just me. Without prompting them or (hopefully - I mean, I've tried to keep it as much to myself as I can so I don't infect the rest of the team) without starting the discussion, others have vented to me about how they feel that Bonnie has come in with guns blazing and bulldozed over those of us who have been working in this environment and, therefore, know what's going on. It's really all in the delivery - on both sides of the equation. I recognize that fighting back when I feel a lack of respect being shone to me is an M.O. of mine. Until now, I have felt that respect lacking in this workplace and is a large reason for why I have been so happy here. For this one person to come in and completely upend that is beyond disconcerting. I really do think that we've just all gotten off on the wrong foot and the eventually we'll get used to each other and even start to build some respect, but in the meantime, it's kinda destroying my workplace. Why can't I just work alone?